St Paul's plans to re-open after protest camp changes

St Paul's plans to re-open after protest camp changes

By staff writers

October 27, 2011

St Paul's Cathedral plans to reopen on Friday 28 October, after changes to the arrangement of the Occupy anti-corporate greed camp in London.

St Paul's Cathedral plans to reopen on Friday 28 October, after activists in the Occupy anti-corporate greed camp in London agreed to rearrange their tent formation, overcoming health and safety concerns.

The Dean of St Paul's, Graeme Knowles, described himself as "optimistic" about reopening after changes to the camp set up initiated by the Occupy London Stock Exchange group - which has sought to be as cooperative as possible, while maintaining the right and necessity to highlight the need for a new economic order in the heart of the UK's financial centre.

The Dean explained: "A passageway allowing evacuation procedures to be improved has been created. The kitchen providing food for those in the camp has been moved from close proximity to the building, bicycles chained to the railings have been shifted and a clear pathway restored."

He added: "We will revisit the risk assessment in the light of any overnight developments and, subject to us getting the green light, we hope to reopen in time for the 12.30 Eucharist on Friday."

Tim Williams, from Occupy London Stock Exchange, said protestors had been working with the church authorities to move tents, reconfigure barriers and relocate the camp's kitchen to facilitate the reopening.

A final decision is expected today, reports the BBC.

Meanwhile, the cathedral staff remain significantly divided on the response to the OLSE camp - and in a dramtic move this morning, Canon Giles Fraser has resigned from the staff. (More to follow on this story).

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